Italian Pasta Shapes One of the most common questions in culinary history is not who invented pasta, but who invented all the different pasta shapes. Who created spaghetti? Who designed rigatoni? Who came up with tagliatelle, ravioli, orecchiette, trofie, paccheri, and hundreds of other varieties? The answer, based on the work of modern food historians, is remarkably clear. The different shapes of pasta are an Italian invention. While several ancient civilizations prepared fo

A Modern Italian Classic Story of the Dish The Story Behind the Dish Some of the most memorable Italian pasta dishes are built around contrast. Richness balanced by freshness. Creaminess balanced by texture. Sweetness balanced by acidity. This dish is a perfect example of that philosophy. At first glance, the ingredients seem simple. Eggplant, saffron, stracciatella, and pasta. Yet when treated with care, these humble ingredients become something far more elegant than the sum

Paccheri with Swordfish, Pistachio, Eggplant and Smoked Ricotta Paccheri with Swordfish, Pistachio, Eggplant and Smoked Ricotta Story of the Dish Few combinations capture the spirit of Southern Italy more beautifully than swordfish and eggplant. Along the coastlines of Sicily and Sardinia, swordfish has long been one of the most prized catches of the Mediterranean. Its firm texture, rich flavor, and ability to absorb aromatic ingredients make it one of the most versatile fish